Businesses
tend to fall down because they don’t maximise
their ability to cash in on unexpected opportunities – particularly when
they’re small or medium-sized enterprises. Just because you don’t employ dozens
of staff or don’t occupy the top floor of an exclusive business complex, it
doesn’t mean that you can’t trade. In fact, your size can work to your advantage.
You’re in contact with people that bigger businesses often don’t get to know.
You are the point of contact for people that use your services and can spread
the word on your behalf.

Niceties
aside, you need to see those relationships translate into cold, hard figures
but, unless you’re prepared to make the most of every opportunity that comes
your way, the most you can expect are good wishes.

Capitalising on what’s in front of you

A problem
for many Smells is that they can’t capitalise on what’s in front of them. For
example, the majority of window cleaning services operates on a cash only basis
and if that cash is unavailable, it’s deferred to a later date. While this
might not sound too troublesome as a singular instance, imagine if 10% or even
25% of your clientele don’t have access to cash on the spot. Suddenly your cash
flow is seriously interrupted, which can have a domino effect on other aspects
of the business. You might struggle to pay employees or that marketing campaign
you had planned has to remain on ice until you receive payment.

Eradicate the need for cash

Intuit Pay
is one of a growing number of company’s set to revolutionise the way traders
can take payment. Intuit
Pay mobile payment technology gives you greater flexibility by transforming
your smartphone into a miniature card reader. Many SMEs balk at the idea of
traditional card readers, simply because of the cost. However, mobile payment
technology costs just a fraction of its counterpart – merely 2.75% of each
transaction.

What this
gives you is the facility to take card payments wherever you are, without
having to charge a minimum transaction fee. On those occasions where a client
isn’t packing cash, you can offer them a more flexible alternative; they simply
swipe their card, enter their security details and the transaction goes ahead.
In addition, the software will send them a receipt and make a record of the
transaction, so your accounting becomes infinitely easier.

Tailor your services

Transactions
of this sort are safe and secure and leave a paper trail behind them, so that
you can gain an overview of whom your most regular clients are. Once word
spreads about your service, your ability to interact with and bill new clients
becomes problem-free. In addition, software of this sort allows you to take
advantage of other opportunities, such as trade fairs or working on stalls. In
essence, you have a cash register in your pocket.

Being able
to take payment on the spot not only means that your cash flow isn’t
interrupted, but puts you in the driving seat when it comes to expanding your
client base. You can take advance orders, catch up on what you’re owed and
watch your company exceed its perceived limitations. And all thanks to a little
piece of technology that fits right in your pocket!